tranny fluid.., from FLAPS Options

[opera guy]

what tranny fluids are acceptable frm FLAPs?

73 914/4 2 liter... how much do i need?

[ArtechnikA]

if you must use a FLAPS oil, Valvoline is okay - 85W90. avoid Mobil-1 in this application. it's great in applications calling for a 75W GL-5, but a 914 isn't one of those.

5.3 US pints.

[Red-Beard]

90W or 85W90 is fine. I usually use Coastal these days ($6.99/gal). Change it twice a year.

I used Mobil 1 in my 914/6 tranny and it worked just fine, but I think the cost is too high. Jake has dyno data showing increased HP to the wheels with Mobil 1. SWEPCO is snake oil.

James

[ArtechnikA]

Jake has dyno data showing increased HP to the wheels with Mobil 1. SWEPCO is snake oil.

i don't dispute that Mobil-1 is slippery.
i'm concerned about the accellerated wear.

you're entitled to your opinion on Swepco...

[anthony]

SWEPCO is snake oil.

Why???

[Red-Beard]

SWEPCO is actually fine oil to use in the transmission. HOWEVER, is it no better than the $6.99 oil at your local FLAPS. And it costs $40/gal. I have a better use for the $33.

James

[ArtechnikA]

HOWEVER, is it no better than the $6.99 oil at your local FLAPS. And it costs $40/gal. I have a better use for the $33.

you don't get a gallon of FLAPS oil for $7, you get a quart.
so at $28 vs $40, it's not -that- big a difference IMHO, especially if you're using 203, which has no FLAPS counterpart.

i certainly had no issues running Valvoline in my car, although as a high-sulphur oil it did stink, which Swepco doesn't...

if the transmission in the 911 gets rebuilt this winter, and if a LSD goes in, i'll use whatever the maker of the diff recommends...

i'm not trying to convert you, i know your mind's made up ...

[Red-Beard]

Coastal Tranny oil is $6.99 PER GALLON. It comes in a 1 gallon container.

Mobil 1 runs about $6-7 per qt.

If you have some data or inside information that can show SWEPCO is anything but 90W gear oil, I'd love to see it.

James

[ArtechnikA]

Coastal Tranny oil is $6.99 PER GALLON. It comes in a 1 gallon container.

If you have some data or inside information that can show SWEPCO is anything but 90W gear oil, I'd love to see it.

okay, thanks for the correction on the Coastal prices.

i don't know why Swepco wouldn't be 90W gear oil since that's what i'm buying.
i do expect it to be REALLY GOOD 90W gear oil, but i suppose if you're changing it twice a year this isn't as big a factor, ( i change mine once a year when i'm not doing track events... ) this is consistent with the factory service interval of 12,000 mi for lubricant quality of 35 years ago.

whatever it is that allows Swepco to achieve its ratings without the high sulphur content is working for me. i've read the technical data on their website and liked (but did not memorise) what i read. it's published there if you're curious. i have no other information other than Mobil-1 and Redline oils have been implicated in high wear rates, and Swepco put an end to that. Maybe the Coastal or Valvoline would have done just as good a job; i donno.

i feel as if i am getting good value for my $40, but if you don't that's fine with me too.

[dmenche914]

redline tranny oils are good for me. Switch to redline from regular tranny oil did improve a shifting problem in my car. Also it helps cold start shifting, as it is thin at low temps. I like it.

dave

[Red-Beard]

The main thing is...to keep it filled with oil.

[Downunderman]

You can't go past this stuff: http://www.neosyntheticoil.com/gearoil.htm

[Red-Beard]

Sounds excellent. How much per gallor or liter?

[Downunderman]

I think it costs me A$100 or 150 to fill the gearbox. It should be cheaper on your side of the world seeing as how it comes from there. I have been using it since I started competing. The box is out at the moment for some close ratios and it has done a couple of events (abt 800km of racing) and a couple of track days (100km) and about 6,000 km on the road, with a motor putting 240hp through it. No wear at all and the bearings are as new.

[J P Stein]

Say, Howard....not to change the subject, but I noticed you're a bit older today.....really old, in fact. Well done. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

[Downunderman]

Thanks JP. As they say your only as old as the woman you feel. Getting the car ready for Classic Adelaide at the moment. Old cars and old people in mid november, (www.classicadelaide.com.au) followed by the Mount Buller Sprint at the end of January. (www.mtbullersprint.com). They let new cars in that one. We will be in the pre 81 class.